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The Art of Visual Effects: Interviews on the Tools of the Trade
 
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The Art of Visual Effects: Interviews on the Tools of the Trade [Paperback]

Pauline B Rogers (Author)
4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)


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Book Description

July 8, 1999
On today's feature films and commercials, visual effects are achieved using a wide array of tools and techniques, often combining camera techniques with computer-rendered images. This book presents a unique approach to the subject through the direct experiences of noted artists from the feature film, television and commercial realm.



The book is divided into two parts. Part one explores the historical background, including such tools as double exposure, in-camera mattes, miniature photography, Schufftan-technique, front and rear screen projection, Introvision, color difference mattes, motion control and other building blocks that have brought visual effects to its current status. Part two features a series of in-depth interviews with noted artists covering feature film, television, and commercial projects. The reader will learn how these technicians developed their tools and talents, including education, experimentation and development of their craft. The chapters will explore their approaches to various challenges in the projects they've worked on. Subjects such as blue/green screen, motion control, number encoding, plate photography, as well as miniature and creature design and implementation are only some of the areas that are covered. The artists also discuss how they work with the director of photography, how they document the set, production work, preparation for post production, as well as design and development of various composite elements. In addition to the techniques employed on various projects, the artists discuss specific shots that succeed and others they wish they could do over, and how they would undertake them the second time.



Examines visual effects from recent blockbuster films
Decision-making and problem-solving discussed by leading experts in the field
Useful for directors and producers as well as effects supervisors and cinematographers

Editorial Reviews

Review

"For those who are interested in pursuing a career as a special effects artist or even for those who have just wondered how the heck they made those cool space ships in Independence Day, this book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the art and science of special effects." - Videomaker, November 1999

From the Publisher

The book is divided into two parts. Part one explores the historical background, including such tools as double exposure, in-camera mattes, miniature photography, Schufftan-technique, front and rear screen projection, Introvision, color difference mattes, motion control and other building blocks that have brought visual effects to its current status. Part two features a series of in-depth interviews with noted artists covering feature film, television, and commercial projects. The reader will learn how these technicians developed their tools and talents, including education, experimentation and development of their craft. The chapters will explore their approaches to various challenges in the projects they've worked on. Subjects such as blue/green screen, motion control, number encoding, plate photography, as well as miniature and creature design and implementation are only some of the areas that are covered. The artists also discuss how they work with the director of photography, how they document the set, production work, preparation for post production, as well as design and development of various composite elements. In addition to the techniques employed on various projects, the artists discuss specific shots that succeed and others they wish they could do over, and how they would undertake them the second time.

Product Details

  • Paperback: 376 pages
  • Publisher: Focal Press (July 8, 1999)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0240803752
  • ISBN-13: 978-0240803753
  • Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.9 x 0.8 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
  • Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,038,621 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Average Customer Review
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A huge amount of REAL information in here, August 28, 2000
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This review is from: The Art of Visual Effects: Interviews on the Tools of the Trade (Paperback)
This book is fantastic, it's really just a collection of interviews but the amount of information you'll find in here is staggering.

It does help if you have some background in effects or at least understand the terms used .. but as a digital artist i learnt masses about the physical processes.

worth it for the interview with Douglas Trumbull alone

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4.0 out of 5 stars GREAT BOOK OVER 100 YEARS VISUAL EFFECTS MOVIES, March 9, 2005
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This review is from: The Art of Visual Effects: Interviews on the Tools of the Trade (Paperback)
Wow -- what has changed in Hollywood film, television, video and online more than anything are the Special and Visual effects. This book interviews the gurus of the business. From how Lucas changed the film world with his STAR WARS TRILOGY to a fabulous glossary of defining lots of terms you need to know from Anamorphic (wide screen photography with aspect ratio) to Xenon lights. This book is a quick course in modern production and directing even for the non-techie Great for the next-generation of game developers and for those who are venturing into the arena of mobile video and online IPTV etc.
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2 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars Informative, October 3, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: The Art of Visual Effects: Interviews on the Tools of the Trade (Paperback)
This book helps give the reader an idea of what tools are at the disposal of Visual effects supervisors. Good read.
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